Napkin PC Wins Microsoft’s PC Design Competition

[Polaris573]

We are all aware of the cliché of scientists, engineers, and nerds drawing elaborate sketches of their ideas on restaurant napkins. Well one such enterprising engineer has decided to thrust this cliché into the 21st century. Avery Holleman’s napkin PC concept, which focuses on collaboration and data sharing within its own network, has won this year’s Microsoft Next-Gen PC Design Competition. The design of the Napkin PC in fact does resemble the design of a Napkin holder. It features multiple touchscreen devices networked together. Digital pens allow users to draw on the screens just like they would a napkin.

“I had an idea about a system where the user would be able to interact with any number of interfaces connected to the same network, Holleman said. “I felt I had good ideas. But they needed a package.”

While contemplating a square he had drawn out as the display for the device Holleman realized it looked just like a napkin. The judges also seemed to like the idea, giving Holleman first prize as well as the Chairman's Award and 20,000 USD in Cash.

http://www.techpowerup.com/img/08-06-16/napkinpc_thm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/img/08-06-16/napkinpc.jpg)

Source: TG Daily (http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/37960/113/)

[Cold Storm]

I would really love to see that system in action! I don't care if I can't afford it.. I just want to see that baby go at it!

[Megasty]

It would make for some insane lag if that was a wireless screen but I'm sure they could work it out.

[Cold Storm]

It would make for some insane lag if that was a wireless screen but I'm sure they could work it out.

You are right there. Never know till it comes out! I just want to try it out once.. Like how I just go into the Apple Store every so often... Just to say I tried it out and its 'ight....

[paybackdaman]

So...think they are bringing back the old "paperless society" again? We know how well that worked the first time....*cough*.

[lemonadesoda]

Backpackers diary should have won. MUCH nicer, and more practical, concept.

This "napkin" is just S:T:UP:ID.

Why should I need to work on four devices that need to be linked together, when ONE device should be designed to fit all purposed, like a PDA.

http://img.techpowerup.org/080617/Capture068.png

If one "leaf" isnt big enough, make it fold out, but to have 4 pieces that link together like a jigsaw of USB devices... (see picture). eek.

I bet it won because MS wants to attract media attention that "looks like" Apples products. ie flat and shiney and glassy.

The entry was also "DTP" dada. Hate that. Dumming down of society so that we need to find our "inner IT child".

[yogurt_21]

yeah but being the backpackers pc got the people choice award, which do you think is actually going to sell. somethign that impresses high level techs, or something that impresses the masses? lol stupid contests.

[Ravenas]

I'm sorry but that's one of the stupidest designs / concepts I've ever seen.